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Breastfeeding is associated with lower risk for multiple sclerosis
Silja Conradi1, Uwe Malzahn, Friedemann Paul
1Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with known genetic and environmental susceptibility factors. Breastfeeding has been shown to be protective in other autoimmune diseases.
Objective:
This case-control study analyzed the association of breastfeeding in infancy on the risk of developing MS.
Methods:
A case-control study was performed in Berlin of 245 MS patients and 296 population-based controls, who completed a standardized questionnaire on their history and duration of breastfeeding in infancy and demographic characteristics. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between breastfeeding and MS. The multivariate model was adjusted for age, gender, number of older siblings, number of inhabitants in place of domicile between ages 0 and 6 (categorized in each case), and daycare attendance between ages 0 and 3.
Results:
In multivariable analysis, breastfeeding showed an independent association with MS (adjusted OR 0.58; p = 0.028). However, with no breastfeeding as reference, the protective effect only emerges after four months of breastfeeding (multivariable analysis for ≤ four months adjusted OR 0.87; p = 0.614 and for > four months OR 0.51; p = 0.016).
Conclusion:
The results of this case-control study support the hypothesis that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of MS. These results are in line with findings of previous studies on other autoimmune diseases, in which breastfeeding was shown to have protective effects.
Insights
Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This study found a protective effect, particularly with breastfeeding durations exceeding four months, supporting its role in preventing autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pediatric autoimmune diseases
- Public health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder with complex genetic and environmental influences.
- Breastfeeding is recognized for its protective role in various autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between breastfeeding in infancy and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 245 MS patients and 296 controls in Berlin.
- Data collected via standardized questionnaires on breastfeeding history and demographic factors.
- Statistical analysis using univariable and multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for confounders.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding demonstrated an independent association with a reduced risk of MS (adjusted OR 0.58, p=0.028).
- A protective effect was observed specifically for breastfeeding durations longer than four months (adjusted OR 0.51, p=0.016).
- No significant protective effect was found for breastfeeding durations of four months or less.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of MS.
- These results align with previous research indicating breastfeeding's protective effects in other autoimmune diseases.
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